Japan coach Jamie Joseph says his side's two summer Tests against Ireland will be beneficial to the World Cup hosts in two years time after the countries were drawn together this morning in Pool 1.

Ireland travel to Japan for Test matches in Shizuoka on June 17, and the following week in Tokyo.

The draw, watched in person by Joe Schmidt in Kyoto, proved a kind one to Ireland, who were one of four top seeds with New Zealand, England and Australia.

Ireland's main pool rivals will be Scotland - who won the 6 Nations meeting of the sides in February - and the hosts, while they will also play the top European qualifier - probably Romania - and the winner of a World Cup play-off.

The pool to avoid was Pool C, where France and Argentina came out of the drum before England were drawn as the pool's top seeds.

"Fortunately we'll play Ireland in June and that will give us a good start in understanding their team, because Japan haven't beaten Ireland or Scotland to date," Joseph said.

"There's still a long time to go, it's still a couple of years away and I guess all the teams have some young teams coming through, they're blooding them through.